Griezmann happy if France win World Cup 'ugly'

France forward Antoine Griezmann said Friday winning the World Cup against Croatia on Sunday was more important than how his team do it. Belgium's players criticised the tactics France used in their 1-0 semi-final win as Didier Deschamps' team sat deep and Samuel Umtiti's headed goal came from a corner, but Griezmann dismissed the criticism. If I get that star, I don't care about how we play," the 27-year-old Atletico Madrid forward told a press conference at France's training base outside Moscow.Read more ...

Ropey Tottenham XI that could start PL opener if Harry Kane and other World Cup stars get break they need. would this team beat Newcastle?

Tottenham Hotspur have had a pretty impressive World Cup. No club has provided more goals at Russia 2018, while Spurs have more players - NINE - still involved than any other domestic side.Read more ...

Rakitic: Croatia will have '4.5 million players on the pitch' against France

Moscow, July 13, 2018 - Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic insisted fatigue will not be an issue for the biggest game of his career despite being pushed to three periods of extra-time to make Sunday's World Cup final. Barcelona's Rakitic will make his 71st appearance of the season against France in Moscow after winning a La Liga and Copa del Rey double with the Catalans, more than any player at the World Cup. "There will be excess power and energy, no worries about that," Rakitic said on Friday. Croatia have played 90 more minutes and had a day's less rest than the French ahead of the final...Read more ...

Combined XI: Building the ultimate France-Croatia team

With France and Croatia set to square off on Sunday to determine the winner of the 21st World Cup, theScore looks at which players would make a combined starting XI consisting of the two European finalists. Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris France's No. 1 shot-stopper was incredible against Belgium , making a number of fantastic saves in the first half, including a diving effort to deny Toby Alderweireld following a Belgian corner-kick. The Tottenham 'keeper hasn't been called upon too often - he's made just 11 saves in five matches - but he has bailed out his country when needed. Right-back: Sime...Read more ...